# Tips and advice for installing Solar Panels

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/02/tips-and-advice-for-installing-solar-panels/
- Published: 2022-02-09T09:43:12-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Installing solar panels has become [increasingly popular](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/06/solar-energy-7-advantages-of-using-solar-panels/)
across the world. Not only do solar panels boost the value of your home and provide
savings that will help them to pay for themselves. Many people decide not to get
them installed because they are daunted by the task of installing them.

However, it does not have to be a nightmare, there are lots of handy tips to help
you get them to put on your home. Here are a few tips and [pieces of advice](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/07/7-pieces-of-advice-on-fish-sustainable-help/)
that can help you on your way to having your very own solar panels.

![Solar panel help](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/
02/bill-mead-wmaP3Tl80ww-unsplash.jpg?resize=420%2C315&quality=52&ssl=1)

## **Charge Controllers**

Charge controllers are a device that helps to prevent [batteries that are connected to solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/01/battery-solar-energy/)
panels from overcharging. Solare charge controllers regulate the voltage and current
going to the batteries from the solar [panels](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/oakland-unified-school-district-plans-to-reduce-electricity-costs-by-nearly-half-with-sunpower-solar-systems-at-16-schools/).
They also make sure that the batteries are not overcharged during the day, and it
also ensures that the power from the batteries does not run [back to the solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/12/new-jersey-backs-solar/)
panels which would leave them drained in the morning.

An important question that people ask is “[what size solar controller do I need](https://shopsolarkits.com/blogs/learning-center/what-size-charge-controller-do-i-need-for-a-100w-solar-panel)?”.
There are several suggestions for sizes. It is recommended that you calculate the
size of the controller needed for your solar panel. This is much more accurate than
attempting to work out how much wattage your solar panels give you and then dividing
it by the amount of your system.

## **Measure your space**

Before you begin investing in your solar panels you need to make sure that they 
will fit and have enough space for the number of solar panels your need. Your electricity
consumption will dictate this. As well as this, you can consider if they will all
be on your roof, or the ground, or even a [mixture of the two](https://www.earthava.com/roof-mounted-ground-mounted-solar-panels/).
You should think about where the sun is most prominent on your property.

When investigating the space, you have available, you should also check if your 
roof is durable enough to support the weight of the [solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/03/solar-panels-on-roof-by-the-time-you-read-this/)
panel and its rack. This will make sure you don’t have complications in the long
run.

## **Calculate your needs**

You need to be able to [calculate your energy needs](https://www.hannainstruments.co.uk/)
so that you can ensure you will have enough power year-round. You can do this by
averaging out the kWh number that is located at the bottom of your electricity bills.
In addition, be sure to consider each season. You may not get the same amount of
sun year-round.  

Spend time researching this and the basics of electricity and solar panels. Knowledge
is the key to safe installations and [maintaining your solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/04/5-tips-panel-solar-inspect-damage/)
energy. This can ensure your panels will store and handle your peak time energy 
requirements.

## **Installing solar panels**

Solar panels are a great investment. They make your life more eco-friendly and can
help you save money. They cost a lot initially but can soon start paying for themselves
within only a couple of years. If you can install them yourself you can reduce the
cost significantly.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)